SILJ vs VTI
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SILJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SILJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.25% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +75.92% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.26% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.34% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
SILJ vs VTI Performance
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SILJ is up 7.25% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SILJ compounded at +47.26% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +17.34% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SILJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.8% compared with 15.4% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -79.0% for SILJ and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SILJ charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SILJ currently yields 2.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SILJ and VTI share 2 holdings out of 2848 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SILJ or VTI?
SILJ has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SILJ or VTI?
Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% vs +22.39% for VTI, so SILJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SILJ annualized +3.47% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SILJ or VTI?
SILJ has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SILJ -79.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SILJ and VTI?
SILJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SILJ and VTI?
SILJ and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2848 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SILJ or VTI?
SILJ yields 2.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SILJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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